NCF: mandatory insurance ‘best way’ for care funding reform

In written evidence to the health and social care select committee ‘Social care: funding and workforce’ inquiry, the membership organisation said a shared risk scheme is required to address the current “unfairness and uncertainty” of the funding system.

“There is the need for some risk pooling within a system that protects people from the unpredictability of long-term care needs,” it added.

“And in those countries where social care insurance schemes are in place and effective, they are mandated and not voluntary. This seems to be the best way to make this type of scheme work.”

The NCF, which represents around 120 not-for-profit organisations and is led by executive director Vic Rayner (pictured), said proposals for a cap on care costs by former government advisor Andrew Dilnot are inadequate.

“(They) do not, in and of themselves, address the need for immediate urgent funding now nor do they help with the longer term investment needed, so while they protect some people from catastrophic care costs, they will not provide the whole funding solution,” it added.

The NCF’s written evidence meanwhile set out seven key principles to underpin a reformed social care funding system.

First, it must enable the provision of a choice of good quality, responsive, person centred care for those who need it. Second, it must be co-produced with the voices of people who use care now and who will use it in the future.

Thirdly, it must enable a focus on prevention and address the very serious issue that underfunding has created, forcing the restriction of eligibility to those with the most substantial care needs only. Fourth, it must enable the full principles of the Care Act 2014 to achieve people’s independence and wellbeing.

Fifthly, it must provide fairness and certainty for people who need to use care. Six, it must provide proper reward and recognition for staff who work in social care. Seven, it must be intergenerationally fair.